Jose Mourinho launches blistering attack on Luke Shaw, claiming defender is a ‘long way behind’ his Manchester United teammates

Jose Mourinho has blasted Luke Shaw, accusing the Manchester United full-back of lacking commitment, focus and ambition.

Shaw, a £33million signing from Southampton in 2014, has made only eight Premier League appearances for the Reds this season.

The 21-year-old was not even part of the squad for Saturday's goalless with West Brom, with Ashley Young used ahead of him at left-back and rookie Matthew Willock preferred on the bench.

Explaining Shaw's omission, Mourinho said the England international is a 'long way behind' his United team-mates

Mourinho said: “It’s difficult for him to be on the bench. Why? Because I cannot compare him with Ashley Young, with Darmian, with Blind.

“I cannot compare the way he trains, the way he way he commits, the focus, the ambition. I cannot compare. He is a long way behind.”

Asked by reporters whether he expected more from an England international, Mourinho added: "Joe Hart is an English international and is playing on loan in Italy."

Shaw, who last featured for United against Bournemouth almost a month ago, spent ten months on the sidelines after suffering a double leg break in September 2015.

Having returned to fitness last summer, he hoped to get his career back on track but has failed to impress Mourinho.

Shaw was criticised by the United boss for missing the Premier League win over Swansea in November after claiming he was not able to play.

And the latest rebuke from Mourinho has left his Old Trafford future in real doubt.